Apparently it’s called Social Network fatigue…

We all know very well that activity within social networking can lead to distractions. With one click, we can find ourselves hopelessly lost in a labyrinth of fascinating experiences that have nothing to do with our initial focus. Serendipity is part of the splendor of social media, but it is something that necessitates discipline to learn, entertain and be entertained, while also staying the course. In the end, we exchange time and privacy for exposure and attention. – Brian Solis

No title, just a big bold font

Some of you may have noticed that I have been vacant from the social space for a while now. I vacated the social space on Oct 30th 2011 and have written this to give a little insight into the madness.

From Facebook to Twitter, Google+ to the infamous Klout. I’m over it.

I believe in innovation, ideas and creativity.
I have a passion for building, sharing and meeting real innovators.

Unfortunately I don’t believe that I achieve these traits in the social space and social networks (or mine particularly) carry the same value they once used to.

I have spent the best part of my twenties trying to find a balance that allows me to excel, achieve and enjoy life at the same time. Social media and the rise of opportunity that came with it, gave me all I needed to excel, but I am yet to find that balance of work/life happiness.

Time is everything and there is not enough of it. Status updates, following, subscribing, liking, sharing, replying, commenting, retweeting, scoring systems and badges leading to split personality disorders, manifested egos, over the top arrogance, utter bullshit and fakeness, lack of productivity, vision, direction and innovation, uncertainty, stress, boredom and ultimately… burn out.

I really want to say more, but right now I am not sure how to say it. So i’ll leave you with this from Brian Solis that sums it all up nicely.

The reality is that the cost of social networking is great and without checks and balances, engagement can cost us more capital than we have to spend. The net result is then social and emotional bankruptcy. And, the most difficult part of this unfortunate state is that it is at first difficult to recognize and far more exacting to overcome.

There’s a saying, “everything in moderation,” but it’s impossible to explore these new horizons with anything less than exuberance. This is our time and who we are online and in the real world is ours to define. But without ambition, desire, and focus, social media is a recipe for chaos. Through all of the distractions and fatigue, we must continually renew our focus to bring important goals to life based on our actions and words in each social network.

I ask you to pause for a moment. Think about what it is that inspires you. Think about what it is you are trying to achieve. Now, look at what it is you’re doing today and compare these activities and results to your aspirations. Do this at fixed intervals over time to plot your position and look ahead to where it is you’re hoping to reach. Then ask yourself, “am I on the right path?” Never stop asking that question. The answers are more important than you might think. – Brian Solis

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http://www.robertpickstone.com Robert Pickstone

Hi Luca,

Last week I noticed that I hadn’t seen you online in a while so I searched for your Twitter handle. The information did not exist. I then privately got in touch with someone we both chat to on Twitter, to see what was happening. I’m glad that it is a case of you making a considered decision, rather than a case of something worse (I over think things).

I completely see where you are coming from. The amount of time and effort that is put into meaningless online social activities is incredible when, quite frankly, people could be enjoying life, savouring these moments in person and pursuing their passions. Brian Solis summarises it well – if you’re doing something, you should be doing it for a reason (enjoyment is enough) – if it’s having a negative impact on who you are and where you want to be, get out.

I must say that although I go through spells when I feel tired and drained, I also enjoy much of my social media activity. I love speaking to people with similar interests and I love learning from them. I would not have met you, chatted with you online or learnt a thing or two from you if it hadn’t been for Twitter. I would not be in my current job or have met some good friends either. Social media has also allowed me to speak with people that I just can’t physically see in person very often.

Although I’ve not completely removed myself from most social platforms, I did made the decision a few months ago to spend my time a little more wisely. You only get one shot to enjoy life.

I wish you the very best of luck, Luca. I’m positive you will have fun on the path you’ve chosen.

Thanks

Rob

Luca

Hey Rob,

Thanks for the comment, it’s very much appreciated.

Im glad to say, I am safe and well, but thanks for being concerned mate.

I must say, I used to feel like you do about social media. I would not be where I am if it wasn’t for Twitter and have written about how Twitter has helped me so much before.

The issue I find is not with the platforms at all, or is the issue with the content. It’s the expectation of commitment. The fact that it’s ongoing and never on pause, that you have to always be listening, monitoring and giving your opinion, otherwise you aren’t active and are missing out.

Everyone is living in a bubble, a very small bubble in a very large world.

There’s so much to experience and yes the Internet and these channels make it so easy to bring everything you could ever want and everyone you wish you could meet, right to you, however, the element of real networking, real experiences and surprise has been lost.

I will be back on these social networks, that is inevitable. However, growth is a part of life and the mission here is to grow on my own accord, learning at my own pace, and to not feel that I have to constantly be aware of what everyone else is doing in their lives.

Considering I don’t have any social networks now it’s interesting that you found your way here. Google Alerts? Hehe.

Added the link to the post at the bottom for reference. Thanks for the inspiration. Luca

http://about.me/vix.chandra vix chandra

i’ve read quite a number of articles (often by social-network-championing marketeers) that social networks are inevitable, and to some extent it is in terms of reach i suppose. but i think you’ve summed up quite nicely, the toll it takes on us willing flies caught in its spiderweb, and more often than not, we tend to forget that we have the choice and power to untangle ourselves whenever we choose. kudos.

Luca

Hi Vix,

Don’t think i’ve seen you comment before, so welcome and thank you for taking the time to post.

You’re spot on really. We do tend to forget that we have the choice to make change whenever we wish.

For whatever reason, the majority of my network were alarmed when they found out I had removed myself, considering they were the ones calling me a ‘social guru’ all along.

Yeah, no thanks. Im just me, and I have a life… or had a life before social media.

Stay in touch

http://about.me/mazherabidi Mazher Abidi

Hi Luca,

Had wondered for a while why I hadn’t seen you online – noticed about a fortnight or so ago. Same with a certain Silver Fox but for a lot longer.

I went in to work about 2 weeks ago feeling really glum. I felt nackered, exhausted. I woke up that morning and felt nauseous at the thought of scrolling through my twitter stream on the bus into work. I spent the whole day on my computer wishing I could just not be there. But knew I had to stay connected ‘just in case’ *something* happened.

It was lame, it was ridiculous, it wasn’t me, and it wasn’t what I wanted to be. I was so head deep in the bubble despite having a decent social life.

I hate the way you feel you have to stay connected. So that weekend I didn’t. And didn’t for a few days after.

You know what? I missed nothing. Not much happened, through minimal contact with the ‘online’ world, the important stuff found its way to me one way or another. And if it doesn’t, it probably isn’t as important.

So yeah, I agree. I don’t feel the need to catch up on everything, and I use all these online things on my own terms again. Feel liberated.

I’m in London tomorrow. If you get this in time, and we get in touch and manage to arrange something, let’s catch up.

Luca

Hey Maz,

Great to hear from you.

I understand exactly what you were feeling and completely agree that any important content will find it’s way to me one way or another.
Funnily enough, I haven’t shared this post at all with anyone yet it got picked up by Brian Solis and then by my network anyway. Who needs forceful sharing?

I am around today, im based in Goodge street. If you can make it at some point this afternoon it’d be great to meet.

Luca

https://twitter.com/#!/Aloha_Analytics Mauibrad

Yeah, quit Facebook.

http://www.livialucie.com Livia

Luca!

I wondered where you had got to, searched for you on twitter a while back but it didn’t exist. I thought I just made a typo on my phone and left it til I remember to do it on the computer… a fair bit after I tried again due to thinking about social media (today). Again nothing, so a visit to your site was due.

Well done you broke the addiction. Hows life?

Livia,

Luca

Hey hey!

Apologies for the delayed response, I kinda forget now that I don’t use Twitter to do the rounds and check my blog too.

Im good thanks, nothing really massively different apart from not begging it in the social space. lol

Thanks for commenting, hope you and 329 are running smoothly. Catch up soon x

Nice to Meet you!

Hello and welcome. My name is Luca, I am a life explorer on a mission to learn, create and discover.

In 2010 I was recruited by Chelsea Football Club to make sense of their analytics. Within a year I was leading social media and product development for the club.

Late 2011 I was headhunted by Target Media to lead on social media. In 2013 I founded WePlay, a digital engagement agency working with brands to reach, engage and convert audiences in the sports domain.

Posts from the past

About Me

Hello and welcome. My name is Luca, I am a life explorer on a mission to learn, create and discover.

In 2010 I was recruited by Chelsea Football Club to make sense of their analytics. Within a year I was leading social media and product development for the club.

Late 2011 I was headhunted by Target Media to lead on social media. In 2013 I founded We Play, a digital engagement agency working with brands to reach, engage and convert audiences in the sports domain.